"You can stop treating him like a preemie and start treating him like a newborn!"
That is what our pediatrician told us this afternoon and for a 2nd straight week Porter has gained exactly another 10 oz. That is great weight gain, over an ounce a day.
He tips the scales now at 5 lb 6 oz! We are so happy and proud of the way he is progressing.
God is good!
I can't believe after all those days of reporting to you the happening of Porter that I have left you all hanging for a week now. Things are busy around her and "life" is beginning to take off again at a rapid fire pace.
I would ask that you lift prayers to our Lord on behalf of the Keith and Kristy Talley family. I reported last week that they had given birth prematurely to Kaitlyn Elizabeth 15 or 16 weeks early. Young Kaitlyn at 1 pound 6 ounces just didn’t have enough to survive and died Wednesday morning.
Please pray for them. We love you all,
Dad
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
7-23 10:11 PM
Had our first check up this morning and all indications are that Porter is doing good!
He is up to 4 lb 12 oz now and is gaining over an ounce per day which is excellent. We will have to continue to see the doctor every week until his original due date of 8-14.
He is doing great though.
At home, big brother is doing a great job and is very concerned for Porter and wants to give lots of kisses and hugs. Very sweet boy. If I have a lover and a fighter, it won't be hard to figure which is which.
Karen and I are so grateful for his success and feel so blessed to have so many prayers. Of course we will always need them to continue but I would ask for you all to say a special prayer for another preemie from Weatherford. The little girl is 16 week premature and weighed 1 lb 6 oz at birth and is at Integris just like we were. She has a tough fight and a long road ahead. But we serve a very powerful God. Please pray for her strength and for her parents as well. Karen has spoken with the father and though we really don't know them personally, we feel like we know what they are going through. We are hoping to be able to be a blessing to them in the days to come. For now...let us pray!
God Bless the babies of the world!
He is up to 4 lb 12 oz now and is gaining over an ounce per day which is excellent. We will have to continue to see the doctor every week until his original due date of 8-14.
He is doing great though.
At home, big brother is doing a great job and is very concerned for Porter and wants to give lots of kisses and hugs. Very sweet boy. If I have a lover and a fighter, it won't be hard to figure which is which.
Karen and I are so grateful for his success and feel so blessed to have so many prayers. Of course we will always need them to continue but I would ask for you all to say a special prayer for another preemie from Weatherford. The little girl is 16 week premature and weighed 1 lb 6 oz at birth and is at Integris just like we were. She has a tough fight and a long road ahead. But we serve a very powerful God. Please pray for her strength and for her parents as well. Karen has spoken with the father and though we really don't know them personally, we feel like we know what they are going through. We are hoping to be able to be a blessing to them in the days to come. For now...let us pray!
God Bless the babies of the world!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Happy to be Home!
Greetings all,
Just want to try to keep this Blog going but I find it hard to find time and tough to come up with information to pass along.
We are really doing good. Porter is on his same schedule from the NICU and eating every 3 to 4 hours. His appetite seems to be good as he is eating about 45 to 50 mL's each feeding.
Big Brother is quite the concerned one. when we are changing a diaper for handling Porter in any way, Charlie is right there. Porter was crying as we were taking his temperature the other evening and Charlie was right beside him saying, "It's OK Porter...it's OK!"
He offers kisses every chance he gets and is more interested then we ever thought he would be.
We are really only handling Porter at his feedings, other then that he is resting in his room. He has the apnea monitor so that really helps us feel comfortable to let him rest.
Will try to keep you all posted and keep new photos coming.
All my best, dad
Friday, July 17, 2009
Finally Home!
It took us exactly 5 weeks but we are all home sleeping under one roof.
The plan (as I blogged yesterday) was to come home today, Friday. Yesterday about 2:30 while Karen was out picking up a few things, Dr. Watson-Fraley came by to check on Porter. She asked me if we wanted to go home today, Thursday. She cautioned that she didn't want me to feel like we were being pushed out, but she just had so much confidence in Porters progression.
It took til almost 7:30 to do paper work and load the car, but we got it done and got home about 8:30. It all happened perfectly. It just so happened that Kelly and Grant were bringing Charlie up to see us. So, we all 4 got to come home together.
We stopped at McDonalds for supper and as I was passing Charlie his Happy Meal, he ask Karen and Me, "Where's Porter's Happy Meal?"
Porter does have an apnea monitor to alarm us if his heart rate or respiratory rate gets too high or too low. He is to be eating 40 or mL's every 3 hours or if he will take 50 mL's we can let him go 4 hours between feedings. Well, he has been eating 60 mL's every 3 hours. So, needless to say, he has an appetite.
As far as home and visitors; we are trying to emulate the NICU for Porter and keep most of the same rules. Obvious precautions have to be taken though as he is still not supposed to be out of Karen's tummy for another month. We are going to try to keep a very low key environment around here with only two visitors at a time and a limited number of visits per day.
Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate these waters on our own without the positive reinforcements from docs and nurses and without all the dings and dongs of the monitors telling us what we need to do.
May God bless you all as he has us!
-dad
The plan (as I blogged yesterday) was to come home today, Friday. Yesterday about 2:30 while Karen was out picking up a few things, Dr. Watson-Fraley came by to check on Porter. She asked me if we wanted to go home today, Thursday. She cautioned that she didn't want me to feel like we were being pushed out, but she just had so much confidence in Porters progression.
It took til almost 7:30 to do paper work and load the car, but we got it done and got home about 8:30. It all happened perfectly. It just so happened that Kelly and Grant were bringing Charlie up to see us. So, we all 4 got to come home together.
We stopped at McDonalds for supper and as I was passing Charlie his Happy Meal, he ask Karen and Me, "Where's Porter's Happy Meal?"
Porter does have an apnea monitor to alarm us if his heart rate or respiratory rate gets too high or too low. He is to be eating 40 or mL's every 3 hours or if he will take 50 mL's we can let him go 4 hours between feedings. Well, he has been eating 60 mL's every 3 hours. So, needless to say, he has an appetite.
As far as home and visitors; we are trying to emulate the NICU for Porter and keep most of the same rules. Obvious precautions have to be taken though as he is still not supposed to be out of Karen's tummy for another month. We are going to try to keep a very low key environment around here with only two visitors at a time and a limited number of visits per day.
Please keep us in your prayers as we navigate these waters on our own without the positive reinforcements from docs and nurses and without all the dings and dongs of the monitors telling us what we need to do.
May God bless you all as he has us!
-dad
Thursday, July 16, 2009
7-16 11:18 AM
Where do I begin?
Mr. Porter has decided he is a big boy! WOW!!!
Wednesday we got to OKC just in time to feed Porter and make it to our discharge class. Pretty much a waste of time. Things like, "Don't leave your infant in a car alone!" Really?!?!
Ok, so during that class Porter passed his "car seat challenge" which is where we take the car seat in and they put him in it hooked up to all his monitors and make sure he doesn't have any heart or breathing problems. Basically to make sure the ride home won't stress him too much.
They then moved us to the "penthouse" the 10th floor or Pediatric floor. We are caring for him around the clock and we are all so happy. He is doing good and we are doing great.
The most exciting part is that it looks like we will be home tomorrow!!!! God is amazing! Karen and I will stay again tonight and Kelly and Grant Schamburg are bringing big brother over this afternoon and he will get to see Porter for the very first time. We are obviously excited about this.
I just can't begin to express Karen and My's gratitude for everything you have all done for us. Your prayers, your cards, your gifts and the list goes on. We are so very blessed and we have you all to thank for so much of that.
I was telling someone Tuesday; I would not want anyone to go through this and I sure don't want to go through it again but this has been a huge blessing. I have seen first hand the power of prayer and the strength of our Lord. ...To bow in prayer when things are going rough and to walk in 30 minutes later and watch him eat an entire bottle, for example would send chills up my spine to know that our prayers are being heard and that our God is watching over us.
Please continue your prayers as we journey home tomorrow and also say a special prayer for all that babies and families we are leaving behind. From the babies born to drug addicts to the mother we were with in our discharge class who is a single parent and her baby has had two surgeries and is finally ready to go home after 3 months in the NICU. Please pray for them as well.
I love you all and thanks to Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma for the use of the computer this morning.
XXOO, -dad
Mr. Porter has decided he is a big boy! WOW!!!
Wednesday we got to OKC just in time to feed Porter and make it to our discharge class. Pretty much a waste of time. Things like, "Don't leave your infant in a car alone!" Really?!?!
Ok, so during that class Porter passed his "car seat challenge" which is where we take the car seat in and they put him in it hooked up to all his monitors and make sure he doesn't have any heart or breathing problems. Basically to make sure the ride home won't stress him too much.
They then moved us to the "penthouse" the 10th floor or Pediatric floor. We are caring for him around the clock and we are all so happy. He is doing good and we are doing great.
The most exciting part is that it looks like we will be home tomorrow!!!! God is amazing! Karen and I will stay again tonight and Kelly and Grant Schamburg are bringing big brother over this afternoon and he will get to see Porter for the very first time. We are obviously excited about this.
I just can't begin to express Karen and My's gratitude for everything you have all done for us. Your prayers, your cards, your gifts and the list goes on. We are so very blessed and we have you all to thank for so much of that.
I was telling someone Tuesday; I would not want anyone to go through this and I sure don't want to go through it again but this has been a huge blessing. I have seen first hand the power of prayer and the strength of our Lord. ...To bow in prayer when things are going rough and to walk in 30 minutes later and watch him eat an entire bottle, for example would send chills up my spine to know that our prayers are being heard and that our God is watching over us.
Please continue your prayers as we journey home tomorrow and also say a special prayer for all that babies and families we are leaving behind. From the babies born to drug addicts to the mother we were with in our discharge class who is a single parent and her baby has had two surgeries and is finally ready to go home after 3 months in the NICU. Please pray for them as well.
I love you all and thanks to Independent Insurance Agents of Oklahoma for the use of the computer this morning.
XXOO, -dad
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
7-14 11:12PM
What a day today has been!!! So much to tell!!!
Well, he has been doing great in the open crib and doing great with his feedings. He has taken every feeding from a bottle since 10:30AM yesterday, and they have removed his feeding tube! He had is hearing screen today and past 100% in both ears!
The most exciting news they give us today was...that they want to move him up to the Pediatric floor and we will be able to stay with him there!! This move will happen tomorrow afternoon, after we take the discharge class. This also means that in about 48 hours from then we will be bringing Porter HOME!!!! Can you all believe that??!! So, possibly on Friday he will be coming home to Weatherford to join his big brother!!!
Wow!! How amazing is this?? All the prayers and thoughts have been heard and answered!! Thank you all so very much!! We will still need them as we bring him home and adjust to being at home, so please keep them going!!
GOD IS SO VERY GOOD!!!
lots of love-mom
Well, he has been doing great in the open crib and doing great with his feedings. He has taken every feeding from a bottle since 10:30AM yesterday, and they have removed his feeding tube! He had is hearing screen today and past 100% in both ears!
The most exciting news they give us today was...that they want to move him up to the Pediatric floor and we will be able to stay with him there!! This move will happen tomorrow afternoon, after we take the discharge class. This also means that in about 48 hours from then we will be bringing Porter HOME!!!! Can you all believe that??!! So, possibly on Friday he will be coming home to Weatherford to join his big brother!!!
Wow!! How amazing is this?? All the prayers and thoughts have been heard and answered!! Thank you all so very much!! We will still need them as we bring him home and adjust to being at home, so please keep them going!!
GOD IS SO VERY GOOD!!!
lots of love-mom
Monday, July 13, 2009
7-13 11:00pm
Wow!! Porter is now in an open crib!!
He has had a great day, he took each of his feedings today from a bottle and took it all!! He is still getting 36mL every 3 hours. He now weights 4lbs 3.2oz!! He is making huge strides to coming home!! His temp has been good today as well!! The nurse said he is being a "big boy"!!
I'm going over tomorrow to spend the day with him, I can hardly wait to see him in that crib! I watched other babies make this step and can hardly believe that is now Porter making that move!
I know I've told you all that your prayers are being heard, but they are being answered beyond our expectations!!! Our God is an awesome God!! Thank you!!
love-Karen
He has had a great day, he took each of his feedings today from a bottle and took it all!! He is still getting 36mL every 3 hours. He now weights 4lbs 3.2oz!! He is making huge strides to coming home!! His temp has been good today as well!! The nurse said he is being a "big boy"!!
I'm going over tomorrow to spend the day with him, I can hardly wait to see him in that crib! I watched other babies make this step and can hardly believe that is now Porter making that move!
I know I've told you all that your prayers are being heard, but they are being answered beyond our expectations!!! Our God is an awesome God!! Thank you!!
love-Karen
7-13 :9:37 AM
Sunday was a good day!
Gammy, Aunt Kel and Jacy stayed in Weatherford with Charlie which allowed Karen and me to spend the day with Porter. They have switched him to 7:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 4:30 touch times around the clock.
He ate back to back 40 mL bottles at 10:30 and 1:30 while we were there and was worn out at 4:30. His temperature is still borderline but acceptable. He could be doing better in that area but his blood levels indicate that he could need another transfusion soon. The docs are giving him an iron supplement to try to boost his red blood cell production to avoid needing the transfusion. We hope and pray this works and that no transfusion will be needed.
As far as his weight, He is up to 4 lb. 2.1 oz.
He smiled at the two of us on several occasions yesterday. Special moments for us!
Thank you again for your continuing prayers. We are so blessed to have you all.
Much Love, DAD
Saturday, July 11, 2009
4 POUNDS EVEN!!!!!!
We are now 4 lbs!!! He is just a growing little man and doing great!!
I got to be with him yesterday for the 11, 2 and 5 touch times, his Aunt Kel got to join me as well. He was so happy to get to see her! He nursed at 11 and did great, and then at 2 he tubed his feeding, and at 5 he took his full feeding from a bottle and did so good! He is still doing good with is temp and making strides to getting in to a open bed!! Steps to getting home!!!
Today we are having Charlie's half birthday party and getting to spend some time with him!! We will be back with Bean Bun tomorrow, but he is in good hands today with Nurse Kathy.
God is so good!!
love-mom
I got to be with him yesterday for the 11, 2 and 5 touch times, his Aunt Kel got to join me as well. He was so happy to get to see her! He nursed at 11 and did great, and then at 2 he tubed his feeding, and at 5 he took his full feeding from a bottle and did so good! He is still doing good with is temp and making strides to getting in to a open bed!! Steps to getting home!!!
Today we are having Charlie's half birthday party and getting to spend some time with him!! We will be back with Bean Bun tomorrow, but he is in good hands today with Nurse Kathy.
God is so good!!
love-mom
Thursday, July 9, 2009
7-9 11:04PM
I feel like maybe you guys get tired of reading the same old report day after day.
We consider it a blessing. He is doing great and had a great day today. Karen and I were with him at 11, 2, 5 and again at 8 tonight. Gary and Kathy treated us to dinner tonight between the 5 and 8. Any time spent with them is always special to us.
He is up to 3 lb. 14.5 oz. and we are confident at 36 mL's per feeding that he will be 4 lbs by the weekend. Very exciting!!!
He has moved to the 3rd different room during our stint in the NICU. We choose to believe that this is a blessing. Whenever a baby needs to be moved, the strongest, healthiest baby in that unit is moved. So, we feel blessed that we are making steady progress.
The two biggest tests that we have to pass going forward is being able to eat all our bottle at one setting and be able to maintain our body temperature clothed and wrapped in an open crib.
We know we will get there. Hard to believe that it will be 4 weeks tomorrow and Porter will be one month old on Sunday. We could not have managed without your love, prayers, and support.
We are SO BLESSED!!!
Love, WKC and P!!!!!
We consider it a blessing. He is doing great and had a great day today. Karen and I were with him at 11, 2, 5 and again at 8 tonight. Gary and Kathy treated us to dinner tonight between the 5 and 8. Any time spent with them is always special to us.
He is up to 3 lb. 14.5 oz. and we are confident at 36 mL's per feeding that he will be 4 lbs by the weekend. Very exciting!!!
He has moved to the 3rd different room during our stint in the NICU. We choose to believe that this is a blessing. Whenever a baby needs to be moved, the strongest, healthiest baby in that unit is moved. So, we feel blessed that we are making steady progress.
The two biggest tests that we have to pass going forward is being able to eat all our bottle at one setting and be able to maintain our body temperature clothed and wrapped in an open crib.
We know we will get there. Hard to believe that it will be 4 weeks tomorrow and Porter will be one month old on Sunday. We could not have managed without your love, prayers, and support.
We are SO BLESSED!!!
Love, WKC and P!!!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
7-8 10:00pm
Today was another good day with my little Bean Bun!!
He is still at 3lbs 13oz, he is now getting 34mL every three hours and doing well it that. He is doing good with his temp as well.
I think the nurses get tired of me calling when I'm not there to check on him. Now when I call they say "nothing has changed since last time". So, I take that as a sign that he is doing well!! One physician I talked to yesterday told me that it could be as early as 2 weeks from now that he could come home!!! That is very exciting and wonderful news!!
Keep up all your prayers they ARE being heard!!
love-mom
He is still at 3lbs 13oz, he is now getting 34mL every three hours and doing well it that. He is doing good with his temp as well.
I think the nurses get tired of me calling when I'm not there to check on him. Now when I call they say "nothing has changed since last time". So, I take that as a sign that he is doing well!! One physician I talked to yesterday told me that it could be as early as 2 weeks from now that he could come home!!! That is very exciting and wonderful news!!
Keep up all your prayers they ARE being heard!!
love-mom
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
7-7 10:17pm
Today was a great day with Mr.Porter!!
I was with him today at the 11, 2 and 5 touch times. He is such a sweet baby boy! I was able to nurse him at 11 and he did great! At 2 I did his physical therapy and then at 5 he was able to nurse for about half his feeding and then we tubed the rest of it.
I called over after the 8 o'clock touch time to find out his weight, he now weights 3lbs 13oz!!! Wow!! He is growing so fast!! He is doing really good and is also doing well with his temp too!!
Thank you for all your prayers for our precious little boy, they are working!! What an awesome God we serve!!
Thank you for all your comments too, we love reading them and hearing how much Porter is thought of through out the day. It is so encouraging!!
love-mom
I was with him today at the 11, 2 and 5 touch times. He is such a sweet baby boy! I was able to nurse him at 11 and he did great! At 2 I did his physical therapy and then at 5 he was able to nurse for about half his feeding and then we tubed the rest of it.
I called over after the 8 o'clock touch time to find out his weight, he now weights 3lbs 13oz!!! Wow!! He is growing so fast!! He is doing really good and is also doing well with his temp too!!
Thank you for all your prayers for our precious little boy, they are working!! What an awesome God we serve!!
Thank you for all your comments too, we love reading them and hearing how much Porter is thought of through out the day. It is so encouraging!!
love-mom
7-7 4:36PM
Just wanted you all to see the latest photo.
Karen has been with Porter today and things are going very well. The doctor says, "Your little guy is on auto-pilot." They claim they are just trying to keep up with him and his progression.
I am not surprised by this, with all the prayers he has had.
XXOO, -dad
Monday, July 6, 2009
7-6 8:47am
Good Morning!!
Porter is doing good! He had a good night!! He gained 20g and now he is 3lbs 10oz, his feedings are going good and he is tolerating them well!! He is doing a pretty good job maintaining his temp too, his nurse said he was a little warm this morning so she turned the bed temp down a little more. So I'll say that the blood transfusion did him well and it was just a little scary for me and dad!!
Dad and I had a great day with him yesterday, he nursed and did well!! He also had a visit from Gammy, GiGi, and Pop yesterday too!!
Thank you all for all the prayers and thoughts, please keep them going!! God is so very good!!
love-mom
Porter is doing good! He had a good night!! He gained 20g and now he is 3lbs 10oz, his feedings are going good and he is tolerating them well!! He is doing a pretty good job maintaining his temp too, his nurse said he was a little warm this morning so she turned the bed temp down a little more. So I'll say that the blood transfusion did him well and it was just a little scary for me and dad!!
Dad and I had a great day with him yesterday, he nursed and did well!! He also had a visit from Gammy, GiGi, and Pop yesterday too!!
Thank you all for all the prayers and thoughts, please keep them going!! God is so very good!!
love-mom
Saturday, July 4, 2009
7-4 10:58PM
Today was a good day.
Porter has gained 20 grams but is still technically 3 lb 9 oz. Nevertheless he is gaining.
They have moved him up to 30mL every three hours and he is maintaining his own temperature relatively well. His bed is kept around 84 degrees and he is maintaining the normal 98.6 body temperature. They will continue to drop the temp until it is close to room temperature.
He is eating good and gaining weight well which is really saying something considering all the dirty diapers he is having all of the sudden. Tells me his plumbing is starting to work better.
We stayed home today and took Charlie to watch the fireworks. He fell asleep during them for the third year in a row. We will go to OKC right after church in the morning.
Love to you all and God Bless, -dad
Friday, July 3, 2009
7-3 10:35PM
Today may have been the best day of Porter's young life.
Karen and I got to the Hospital for the 11 AM, 2, 5 and 8 PM touch times. I got to hold Porter as he was fed through his stomach tube at 11. At 2, Karen was able to give him a bottle. He drank it all (25 mL.) This was a first for Karen. She has given him bottles before and he acts as though he has no idea what he is doing. We hear he takes the bottles very well from the nurses though. Karen had a hard time believing he was really doing it cause she hadn't seen it. Nurses explained that when he is in mom's arms he knows her smell and just gets comfortable and sleepy. So, she was able to hold him more out on her lap (see picture) and he stayed wide awake and took it all.
At the 5 PM time, Karen did his range of motion exercises (Physical Therapy) and he was fed through his stomach tube. They only let us feed him a couple times a day through bottle because it actually drains their energy to drink from a bottle and it can be counter productive to them.
At the 8 PM time this evening they wanted us to try to get him to nurse Karen. We were pessimistic about his ability. WOW...did he prove us wrong! He latched on for 7 or 8 minutes and nursed for a good 5 minutes. Had he nursed for 10 full minutes, he would have needed no supplement. But, since he nursed for 5 minuted he still got the other half of his feeding through his stomach tube.
His transfusion yesterday made a huge difference for him today. He was full of color and was very alert. It was much harder on mom and me then it was him.
Karen and I thank you all for your prayers. God is so good!
Much Love, -dad
Thursday, July 2, 2009
7-2 4:28PM
God is Good!
Porter Jack has had a rough night last night and a tough day today. Lab work tells us that he has become a little anemic. They are doing further tests to insure that he doesn't have any type of infection or something more serious.
They have ordered a blood transfusion today. Those two words just scare Karen and me. After talking with the Nurse Practitioner, we are much more comfortable with it. She said it is amazing for a baby born at 31 weeks to go 3 weeks without a transfusion. So, this is very common for premies and is necessary because the rate at which they produce red blood cells is very slow at this age. Duh, they are usually living on Mom's blood at this point.
This has been one of the first low points in this process and we want you all to know that this has all been manageable because of your prayers on our behalf as well as our Faith in a very awesome God.
Tomorrow will be better,
Blessings, dad
Porter Jack has had a rough night last night and a tough day today. Lab work tells us that he has become a little anemic. They are doing further tests to insure that he doesn't have any type of infection or something more serious.
They have ordered a blood transfusion today. Those two words just scare Karen and me. After talking with the Nurse Practitioner, we are much more comfortable with it. She said it is amazing for a baby born at 31 weeks to go 3 weeks without a transfusion. So, this is very common for premies and is necessary because the rate at which they produce red blood cells is very slow at this age. Duh, they are usually living on Mom's blood at this point.
This has been one of the first low points in this process and we want you all to know that this has all been manageable because of your prayers on our behalf as well as our Faith in a very awesome God.
Tomorrow will be better,
Blessings, dad
Mama said there'd be days like this....
For those of you that know Harper Cash, who was on this similar journey, know about the ups and downs along the way.
Well...today is one of those days. We have known that they may come but this is probably one of our firsts. Karen is there with Porter today and the nurses just feel like he is not having a good day. They are pulling some blood and running some tests. I understand his color is not as it has been and things are just "not right."
I'm really sorry for the lack of information but I know God has all the information needed and I just ask you to pray for Porter and for Karen. That she might have comfort and peace about all this.
I will bring good news soon, I am confident. For now...please pray!
Much Love, -wes
Well...today is one of those days. We have known that they may come but this is probably one of our firsts. Karen is there with Porter today and the nurses just feel like he is not having a good day. They are pulling some blood and running some tests. I understand his color is not as it has been and things are just "not right."
I'm really sorry for the lack of information but I know God has all the information needed and I just ask you to pray for Porter and for Karen. That she might have comfort and peace about all this.
I will bring good news soon, I am confident. For now...please pray!
Much Love, -wes
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
7-1 2:05pm
We're movin' on up!!!
I just received a call from the NICU they were telling me that they moved Porter. Everything is fine, they needed more room and since he is stable enough to move they moved him.
They also told me that they have now moved this feedings to 25mL every three hours and......they removed his PIC line!!!! No more IV fluids!!! He now weights 3lb and 10oz !!! The prayers about him tolerating his feedings have been answered!! What a mighty God we serve!!
He is now able to wear clothes and be wrapped in a blanket. The bed he is in has warm air flow in it, and he no longer has a probe to monitor his temperature. They are trying to get him to maintain his own temperature, and so far so good!
Thank you so very much for all you continued prayers!! They ARE being heard keep them up!!
love-mom
I just received a call from the NICU they were telling me that they moved Porter. Everything is fine, they needed more room and since he is stable enough to move they moved him.
They also told me that they have now moved this feedings to 25mL every three hours and......they removed his PIC line!!!! No more IV fluids!!! He now weights 3lb and 10oz !!! The prayers about him tolerating his feedings have been answered!! What a mighty God we serve!!
He is now able to wear clothes and be wrapped in a blanket. The bed he is in has warm air flow in it, and he no longer has a probe to monitor his temperature. They are trying to get him to maintain his own temperature, and so far so good!
Thank you so very much for all you continued prayers!! They ARE being heard keep them up!!
love-mom
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
6-30 7:39 PM
WOW, WOW, WOW, GOD IS GOOD!
Porter is doing amazingly well. As of last night, he is up to 3 lb 8oz. and his feeding have increased to 17mL's every three hours. The greatest news is that the doctors have ordered for him to eat two feeding per day from a bottle.
Well, we were trying not to be too optimistic at first. Kids will make a fool out of parents every time. Porter gagged a little at first and then ate the entire 17 mL's from the bottle with no problems. We were so amazed.
Karen will travel over today and spend the 10AM, 1PM and 4PM touch times with him. She may be able to give him one of his bottles today. Please pray for her safe travel and Porter's continued progression.
Much Love,
-dad
Porter is doing amazingly well. As of last night, he is up to 3 lb 8oz. and his feeding have increased to 17mL's every three hours. The greatest news is that the doctors have ordered for him to eat two feeding per day from a bottle.
Well, we were trying not to be too optimistic at first. Kids will make a fool out of parents every time. Porter gagged a little at first and then ate the entire 17 mL's from the bottle with no problems. We were so amazed.
Karen will travel over today and spend the 10AM, 1PM and 4PM touch times with him. She may be able to give him one of his bottles today. Please pray for her safe travel and Porter's continued progression.
Much Love,
-dad
Sunday, June 28, 2009
6-28 10:46 pm
Mr. Porter has had a great day! He now weights 3lbs 7.2 oz!! WOW!! They have increased his feedings to 14mL every 3 hours and he is tolerating it well!! He has had a good temperature all day as well. Now he just needs to poop, and things would be really great!! The nurses say they are expecting a "blow-out" at anytime!! I wonder what a "blow-out" in the NICU looks like??
Thank you for your continued prayer, they ARE being heard!! Please keep it up!!
love-mom
Thank you for your continued prayer, they ARE being heard!! Please keep it up!!
love-mom
6-28 8:24AM
Porter Jack is eating and growing. He is now up to 12 mL's per feeding (every 3 hours) and tips the scales at 3 lb 5.1 oz.
Karen and I made the 10 AM, 1PM, 4PM and 10PM touch times yesterday. Karen kangaroo'd at 10AM and did his physical therapy at 4PM. Dad got to see him at the 1PM touch time and Porter got to meet his Uncle Reid at that time.
The Schamburgs got to see him in the afternoon and they all think he looks like Charlie. Not a bad prognosis in my opinion.
We went with the Mannerings to Janae Lawrence and Luke Panter's wedding yesterday evening. Beautiful wedding, beautiful bride, HOT DAY!
Porter is doing great as is the rest of the family thanks to your continued prayers. Thank you so much...WE ARE BLESSED!
Love, -dad
Karen and I made the 10 AM, 1PM, 4PM and 10PM touch times yesterday. Karen kangaroo'd at 10AM and did his physical therapy at 4PM. Dad got to see him at the 1PM touch time and Porter got to meet his Uncle Reid at that time.
The Schamburgs got to see him in the afternoon and they all think he looks like Charlie. Not a bad prognosis in my opinion.
We went with the Mannerings to Janae Lawrence and Luke Panter's wedding yesterday evening. Beautiful wedding, beautiful bride, HOT DAY!
Porter is doing great as is the rest of the family thanks to your continued prayers. Thank you so much...WE ARE BLESSED!
Love, -dad
Saturday, June 27, 2009
6-27-09 7:44am
Good Morning, sorry we didn't give a report yesterday! We had a good day, Wes and I went over to see Porter and were able to spend a fair amount of time with him. He is 2 weeks old!! He is doing good!
They have moved his feedings now to 10ml every 3 hours, he is still having some issues with this but this is normal. His physical therapy went good and he is doing good with his temperature. He now weights 3lb 2oz!!!
Wes was able to kangaroo with him and that went great, he loves to be held and close to mom and dad!
We are going over today to get to spend some more time with him!! We will let you all know how that goes!
Thank you all so much for you continued prayers and thoughts!! God is so good!
love-mom
They have moved his feedings now to 10ml every 3 hours, he is still having some issues with this but this is normal. His physical therapy went good and he is doing good with his temperature. He now weights 3lb 2oz!!!
Wes was able to kangaroo with him and that went great, he loves to be held and close to mom and dad!
We are going over today to get to spend some more time with him!! We will let you all know how that goes!
Thank you all so much for you continued prayers and thoughts!! God is so good!
love-mom
Thursday, June 25, 2009
6-25 9:35 PM
What a day! I was with Porter from about 10am this morning till about 5pm this afternoon! He has had a good day!
I got to kangaroo this morning, what a sweet boy we have, while I was holding him he raised his head off my chest and looked around!! He is really strong! I also helped do his physical therapy at 1pm, which the OT (Sally) says that he is doing great with the therapy. They have increased his feedings to 7ml every 3 hours, this is something we are really praying about he is not really tolerating the feedings as well as they would like. The doctors and nurses tell me that this is normal for his age, but is still some what of a concern.
All in all, it was a good day. We are going back tomorrow and will get to spend about three touch times with him and get to love on him some more!!
Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and prayers, please keep them going because they are being heard!!
God is so good!
love-mom
I got to kangaroo this morning, what a sweet boy we have, while I was holding him he raised his head off my chest and looked around!! He is really strong! I also helped do his physical therapy at 1pm, which the OT (Sally) says that he is doing great with the therapy. They have increased his feedings to 7ml every 3 hours, this is something we are really praying about he is not really tolerating the feedings as well as they would like. The doctors and nurses tell me that this is normal for his age, but is still some what of a concern.
All in all, it was a good day. We are going back tomorrow and will get to spend about three touch times with him and get to love on him some more!!
Thank you all so much for all your thoughts and prayers, please keep them going because they are being heard!!
God is so good!
love-mom
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
6-24 9:47PM
Today has been a great day!
News to report: God is great, Porter is still off the vapo-therm and is requiring no respiratory help, the docs are increasing his "touch times" to every 3 hours from 4, and also feeding him every 3 hours now. He is up to 5mL's per feeding and HE WEIGHS 3 POUNDS, 1 OUNCE!!!!!!!
Also, for those of you that drop in and check on him, they are moving him to a different room. He is doing excellent. his nurse this evening is cousins of a girl we know that is married to an old Pistol Pete. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people caring for Porter. His room change is nothing to be concerned with, I think it just shows they are comfortable with his progress.
In your prayers, I would just ask you to remember all the babies in the NICU. We heard there were quads delivered at 29 weeks on Tuesday. There are lots a babies and families that need these prayers. We are so blessed to have all you prayer warriors out there. And, seeing some of the other babies, we are blessed to have Porter and blessed that he is as strong as he is and progressing the way he is.
Keep up the prayers and God Bless!!
-dad
News to report: God is great, Porter is still off the vapo-therm and is requiring no respiratory help, the docs are increasing his "touch times" to every 3 hours from 4, and also feeding him every 3 hours now. He is up to 5mL's per feeding and HE WEIGHS 3 POUNDS, 1 OUNCE!!!!!!!
Also, for those of you that drop in and check on him, they are moving him to a different room. He is doing excellent. his nurse this evening is cousins of a girl we know that is married to an old Pistol Pete. We are so fortunate to have such wonderful people caring for Porter. His room change is nothing to be concerned with, I think it just shows they are comfortable with his progress.
In your prayers, I would just ask you to remember all the babies in the NICU. We heard there were quads delivered at 29 weeks on Tuesday. There are lots a babies and families that need these prayers. We are so blessed to have all you prayer warriors out there. And, seeing some of the other babies, we are blessed to have Porter and blessed that he is as strong as he is and progressing the way he is.
Keep up the prayers and God Bless!!
-dad
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
6-23 4:10 PM
Porter is off the vapo-therm or nasal cannulas. As of right now he is receiving no respiratory help. He is doing it all on his own!
Also, he is up to 5mL's per feeding.
God is Great!
-dad
Also, he is up to 5mL's per feeding.
God is Great!
-dad
6-23 1:10PM
Dad spent the morning setting up an RV in the parking lot at the hospital. Jarrod Burton hauled Kevin and Charla Holland's RV over and set up the RV so Karen would have a place to come and relax in between times with Porter. Also will serve as a place for Charlie to play.
We have the best friends and you are all so generous and have made this entire event manageable for Karen and me.
Porter is doing good, despite some of the "crotchety" nurses. Karen had just a "so-so" day yesterday, thanks to the same nurse, but is doing good today.
No news is good news in this case. Porter is still getting 4 mL's of milk every 4 hours and they are adding a fortifier to it. This increases the calorie content from 20 to 22. He is still on the vapo-therm or nasal cannulas and is still strong in terms of his lungs.
We thank God daily for your prayers and for each of you. We pray God will bless you as He has us.
All our best,
-dad
We have the best friends and you are all so generous and have made this entire event manageable for Karen and me.
Porter is doing good, despite some of the "crotchety" nurses. Karen had just a "so-so" day yesterday, thanks to the same nurse, but is doing good today.
No news is good news in this case. Porter is still getting 4 mL's of milk every 4 hours and they are adding a fortifier to it. This increases the calorie content from 20 to 22. He is still on the vapo-therm or nasal cannulas and is still strong in terms of his lungs.
We thank God daily for your prayers and for each of you. We pray God will bless you as He has us.
All our best,
-dad
Monday, June 22, 2009
Comments Welcomed
We want you all to know how it warms our heart to know that people care so much and are keeping up with us via this blog.
Being an amateur blogger, I didn't know there were security settings. So, the security has been reduced and anyone and everyone can post comments. So please, comment!
-dad
Being an amateur blogger, I didn't know there were security settings. So, the security has been reduced and anyone and everyone can post comments. So please, comment!
-dad
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day
Today had to be the best father's day ever! I got to enjoy church this morning with Karen and Charlie and then spend time with Porter this afternoon.
Bruce showed a picture in church on the "big screen" of Porter and his Bla-Bla. The one to the left. Charlie was playing with his toys and not paying any attention until he heard Bruce say "Porter Jack..." He popped up and said in a raised voice, "There's Bean-Bun and his Bla-Bla!" Bean-Bun is a line from the Kung Fu Panda movie and Porter was referred to as Bean-Bun in Karen's belly. Special moment!
After church we went to the NICU and because it was Father's Day, Karen let me have the kangaroo time. He fell asleep on my chest and I fell asleep in the chair holding him. It was awesome.
Porter is doing great, He is still on the nasal cannula's but they have reduced the amount of air that flows through it. He is still breathing "room air" so we are certain it won't be long and he will require no respiratory help.
His feeding are going better too, one of our favorite nurses (Tonya) discovered that he is better able to digest the milk on his tummy. So, he has been increased from 3 mL to 4 mL's every 4 hours. He is 2 lb 13 oz. now and we are anticipating the 3 lb. mark this week.
Thank you all for your prayers and Happy Father's Day to all you dads.
Much Love,
-a happy and blessed dad
Bruce showed a picture in church on the "big screen" of Porter and his Bla-Bla. The one to the left. Charlie was playing with his toys and not paying any attention until he heard Bruce say "Porter Jack..." He popped up and said in a raised voice, "There's Bean-Bun and his Bla-Bla!" Bean-Bun is a line from the Kung Fu Panda movie and Porter was referred to as Bean-Bun in Karen's belly. Special moment!
After church we went to the NICU and because it was Father's Day, Karen let me have the kangaroo time. He fell asleep on my chest and I fell asleep in the chair holding him. It was awesome.
Porter is doing great, He is still on the nasal cannula's but they have reduced the amount of air that flows through it. He is still breathing "room air" so we are certain it won't be long and he will require no respiratory help.
His feeding are going better too, one of our favorite nurses (Tonya) discovered that he is better able to digest the milk on his tummy. So, he has been increased from 3 mL to 4 mL's every 4 hours. He is 2 lb 13 oz. now and we are anticipating the 3 lb. mark this week.
Thank you all for your prayers and Happy Father's Day to all you dads.
Much Love,
-a happy and blessed dad
Saturday, June 20, 2009
6-20 11:47 AM
Just talked to nurses and he is up to 2 lb 12 oz. He is tolerating his feedings good and will likely increase the amount today. Will be a butterball before we know it!
We are so thrilled that he is gaining and taking his milk good.
Blessings,
-dad
We are so thrilled that he is gaining and taking his milk good.
Blessings,
-dad
Friday, June 19, 2009
6-19 11:43 PM
Can you be energized and exhausted at the same time? This has been the best day yet of young Porter's life.
Karen and I left Weatherford in time to make the noon "touch time." We got there in time and raised the blanket over his bed. He had pulled the nasal cannula out of his nose and there is no telling whether it had been out for 10 minutes or 3 hours. Tells us he is breathing just fine on his own. Nurses confirmed and they will likely remove tomorrow.
Karen got to hold him for the first time today during "kangaroo time." It's basically skin to skin for an hour. He slept most of the time but it was definitely enjoyable and emotional.
Mom and dad had a great day together that included seeing Karen's doc, doing some shopping for some stuff we needed, eating dinner together but mostly just being together.
The 4 PM touch time consisted of changing a diaper and feeding. He is taking most of the milk pretty good and he'll improve as time goes on. He is back to 2 lb 9 oz and we hope we have reached the lowest point and it is all an upward trend from here.
Dad got the Kangaroo time at 8 PM and Porter stayed awake for most all of it. His activities during that time included a lengthy case of the hick-ups and a nice BM.
We changed the diaper and headed home. Found out that one of the NICU nurses actually lives in Weatherford and pulls 12 hour shifts. Karen will consider making some of those trips to spend that time with Porter. Another funny thing that makes you think God has a huge hand in it.
Your prayers are working and as hard as this is, we feel confident this will all be a memory soon. Please keep it up! We serve an awesome God! Love you all!
Karen and I left Weatherford in time to make the noon "touch time." We got there in time and raised the blanket over his bed. He had pulled the nasal cannula out of his nose and there is no telling whether it had been out for 10 minutes or 3 hours. Tells us he is breathing just fine on his own. Nurses confirmed and they will likely remove tomorrow.
Karen got to hold him for the first time today during "kangaroo time." It's basically skin to skin for an hour. He slept most of the time but it was definitely enjoyable and emotional.
Mom and dad had a great day together that included seeing Karen's doc, doing some shopping for some stuff we needed, eating dinner together but mostly just being together.
The 4 PM touch time consisted of changing a diaper and feeding. He is taking most of the milk pretty good and he'll improve as time goes on. He is back to 2 lb 9 oz and we hope we have reached the lowest point and it is all an upward trend from here.
Dad got the Kangaroo time at 8 PM and Porter stayed awake for most all of it. His activities during that time included a lengthy case of the hick-ups and a nice BM.
We changed the diaper and headed home. Found out that one of the NICU nurses actually lives in Weatherford and pulls 12 hour shifts. Karen will consider making some of those trips to spend that time with Porter. Another funny thing that makes you think God has a huge hand in it.
Your prayers are working and as hard as this is, we feel confident this will all be a memory soon. Please keep it up! We serve an awesome God! Love you all!
6-19 8:25am
TGIF!!!! As I set here with tears of joy filling my eyes I'm so glad to report that Porter had a great night!! He has not required any oxygen and has had no problems through the night!! But the greatest new of all I just heard and that is the reason for the tears.....the nurse just told us that when we get there today we get to HOLD HIM!!!! This will be the very first time we get to do this!! I had no idea I would be filled with so much emotion upon this news but the tears keep coming and coming, I truly can't tell you all how this makes me feel and how so very excited I'm to see that little man this afternoon!!! I will be back in touch as soon as possible to let you how it all goes!! GOD IS SO GOOD!!!
love-
mom
love-
mom
Thursday, June 18, 2009
6-18 10:31 PM
Today Porter got to meet his great grand parents Fuffy and Pa-Ke. Phyllis and Ken Reid. Karen and her mom road over to OKC with them and spent a couple hours with Porter.
Porter got some more milk but I don't really know yet how he did.
Charlie and Dad got to go ride the combine while Will cut wheat. Charlie thought it was "awesome"
Love you all and thanks for your prayers,
-dad
Porter got some more milk but I don't really know yet how he did.
Charlie and Dad got to go ride the combine while Will cut wheat. Charlie thought it was "awesome"
Love you all and thanks for your prayers,
-dad
6-18 9:38 AM
Porter had a good night. His lungs are great and he is breathing just fine with the nasal cannulas. As far as the feeding is going, he is having some trouble. He is not able to digest much of the milk. As much as this sounds like a reason for concern, I have remember that God is in control and Porter is under the care of the best NICU around. He will be fine and the food will come in time. He can only be pushed so much.
Karen is going up to see him today and I think she is taking Paw-Ke and Fuffy with her for them to see another one of their great grands.
Love you all,
-dad
Karen is going up to see him today and I think she is taking Paw-Ke and Fuffy with her for them to see another one of their great grands.
Love you all,
-dad
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
6-17 10:33 PM
Karen just got word from our nurse that today has been a great day for Mr. Porter.
As stated earlier he is off the c-pap machine and on to nasal cannulas. Like an old man with emphysema or something.
They have started him back on milk and he is getting about 2 ml's every 6 hours and our "touch time" or hands on time has changed to 8,11, 2, 5 around the clock. We were at only three times a day so this is good news
God is great and we are amazed daily by presence in all of this. Thanks for your prayers,
-dad
As stated earlier he is off the c-pap machine and on to nasal cannulas. Like an old man with emphysema or something.
They have started him back on milk and he is getting about 2 ml's every 6 hours and our "touch time" or hands on time has changed to 8,11, 2, 5 around the clock. We were at only three times a day so this is good news
God is great and we are amazed daily by presence in all of this. Thanks for your prayers,
-dad
The Journey Begins
Wednesday June 10th Karen packed a weekend bag to be home in Texas with her family for a few days before she wouldn’t be able to travel as Aug 7th was approaching. Before heading to Texas, Karen had a regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Stone. We had had a busy schedule from the “Baird Weekend” which led right into our Sunday, Monday, Tuesday trip to Big Cedar wrapping up my year as Young Agent Chairman for the state association.
That morning as Karen was packing and I was just getting around to unpacking, I commented that I was so happy to have a clear schedule with no where to go until we are ready to travel with the baby in late August. Little did I know…
Just like every trip to the doctor, the first thing they do is dip a dipstick in Karen’s urine. It is always normal and they go on. This time it measured a 4+, which indicates a protein of greater then 2000. The dipped 2 more sticks to make sure and decided to send the urine off to the lab to make quadruple sure. After the lab results confirmed their initial concerns, Karen was admitted for a 24-hour bed rest period for them to watch and continue to check everything. We figured a 24 or 48 hour resting period and then we’d come home on bed rest and monitor everything. We really thought we’d deliver at full term and just be burdened by bed rest until then.
Friday morning I was setting at my desk when she called after the doctor had made rounds. I was anticipating picking her up and coming home. Her tone was scared when she called to tell me they were transferring her to Baptist and delivering at 5 PM. The main concern and diagnosis was pre-eclampsia. Symptoms are high liver enzymes, protein in urine and high blood pressure. Full-blown eclampsia, the high blood pressure causes seizures. It is life threatening in its full stages to both mother and child.
Friday was an emotional day for me (as you can imagine) traveling to OKC by myself talking to many friends and asking for prayers.
We were transferred Integris Medical Center (Baptist) and started IV’s ect to get her ready for delivery. Though it was early, the mood was much relaxed, as we knew all along the baby would come via c-section.
Included is my email as we wait for 5 PM Friday:
Hello all,
First, let me thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the concerns and the prayers lifted up on our behalf.
Karen's lab work indicates she should be a very sick girl but she feels fine and vital signs are normal. Her doc at Lakeside feels because she is masking the signs, she could "crash" at any time.
We have been transferred to Integris Medical Center (rm 473) and Karen is resting well. The nurse is starting her IV now and plans are to deliver the little man at 5 pm. The ultrasound Wednesday estimates a weight of 3 lb 6 oz. So we feel fortunate that we have gotten this far and he has had the time in utero. We are 31 weeks and Karen has received 2 steroid injections that will help significantly with the baby's lung development.
As crazy as it may sounds, we feel very blessed to be where we are. I don't know how people go through this without Faith, family and friends.
We love you all and thank you again for your prayers.
I'll keep you posted,
Wes, Karen, Charlie and soon to be Porter
Porter Jack Magill was born at 5:18 PM Friday June 12th, Karen and my 5-year wedding anniversary. He tipped the scales at 2 lb 11 oz. and was 16 inches long.
Included is my email to friends and family Friday night lying awake unable to sleep.
I lay here at 10:39 PM on our 5th wedding anniversary praising God for the safe arrival of another son.
Porter came into the world at 2 lb 11oz just after 5 pm. He came out kicking and screaming and is sure to be a fighter in the NICU.
Karen is resting well and will recover rapidly. Porter has a long road ahead with ups and downs but he will be wrestling with Charlie and me in no time.
The prayers lifted on our behalf from Weatherford, across Texas, Indiana, New York City, Stillwater, Muskogee, New Mexico and all across OK have been nothing short of a Blessing from God.
Karen, Charlie, Porter and I are so loved and we thank you all for your (literally, thousands) of prayers.
I'll attach the best photo I have on my phone. I have to rest. Thanks again, with love.
The Magills
Saturday was a tough day as they started Karen on the Magnesium Sulfate to combat the toxicity built up in her body. She was down all day and most of Sunday. Fairly quiet both days. Sunday afternoon was the first time (other then in the OR) that Karen was able to see Porter.
Mr. Porter went into the NICU (neonatal ICU) immediately where he had numerous IV’s and leads to different monitors hooked all over him. He breathes through a c-pap. Similar to someone with sleep apthnea, he breathes on his own, this just makes sure he gets a full, deep breath when he takes one. They are able to monitor his heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels and his respiratory rate. They monitor and control the % oxygen he is given through his c-pap and started out around 35%. “Room air” is 21 % oxygen. They told us he’d likely tire out and need to move to a ventilator. My response was, “You don’t know how many people are praying for him!” Now 5 days later, 6-17 as of about 1 PM he is breathing room air with a nasal cannula.
As far as feeding him, his life is being sustained by 3 IV drips; proteins, lipids, and electrolytes. They are introducing mother’s milk to him to “prime his gut” and help get everything working. It hasn’t been as successful and they have backed off to give him more time. They are planning to re-introduce milk this afternoon 6-17.
God is amazing and the love and support shown to us by friends and family has been truely amazing.
-dad
That morning as Karen was packing and I was just getting around to unpacking, I commented that I was so happy to have a clear schedule with no where to go until we are ready to travel with the baby in late August. Little did I know…
Just like every trip to the doctor, the first thing they do is dip a dipstick in Karen’s urine. It is always normal and they go on. This time it measured a 4+, which indicates a protein of greater then 2000. The dipped 2 more sticks to make sure and decided to send the urine off to the lab to make quadruple sure. After the lab results confirmed their initial concerns, Karen was admitted for a 24-hour bed rest period for them to watch and continue to check everything. We figured a 24 or 48 hour resting period and then we’d come home on bed rest and monitor everything. We really thought we’d deliver at full term and just be burdened by bed rest until then.
Friday morning I was setting at my desk when she called after the doctor had made rounds. I was anticipating picking her up and coming home. Her tone was scared when she called to tell me they were transferring her to Baptist and delivering at 5 PM. The main concern and diagnosis was pre-eclampsia. Symptoms are high liver enzymes, protein in urine and high blood pressure. Full-blown eclampsia, the high blood pressure causes seizures. It is life threatening in its full stages to both mother and child.
Friday was an emotional day for me (as you can imagine) traveling to OKC by myself talking to many friends and asking for prayers.
We were transferred Integris Medical Center (Baptist) and started IV’s ect to get her ready for delivery. Though it was early, the mood was much relaxed, as we knew all along the baby would come via c-section.
Included is my email as we wait for 5 PM Friday:
Hello all,
First, let me thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the concerns and the prayers lifted up on our behalf.
Karen's lab work indicates she should be a very sick girl but she feels fine and vital signs are normal. Her doc at Lakeside feels because she is masking the signs, she could "crash" at any time.
We have been transferred to Integris Medical Center (rm 473) and Karen is resting well. The nurse is starting her IV now and plans are to deliver the little man at 5 pm. The ultrasound Wednesday estimates a weight of 3 lb 6 oz. So we feel fortunate that we have gotten this far and he has had the time in utero. We are 31 weeks and Karen has received 2 steroid injections that will help significantly with the baby's lung development.
As crazy as it may sounds, we feel very blessed to be where we are. I don't know how people go through this without Faith, family and friends.
We love you all and thank you again for your prayers.
I'll keep you posted,
Wes, Karen, Charlie and soon to be Porter
Porter Jack Magill was born at 5:18 PM Friday June 12th, Karen and my 5-year wedding anniversary. He tipped the scales at 2 lb 11 oz. and was 16 inches long.
Included is my email to friends and family Friday night lying awake unable to sleep.
I lay here at 10:39 PM on our 5th wedding anniversary praising God for the safe arrival of another son.
Porter came into the world at 2 lb 11oz just after 5 pm. He came out kicking and screaming and is sure to be a fighter in the NICU.
Karen is resting well and will recover rapidly. Porter has a long road ahead with ups and downs but he will be wrestling with Charlie and me in no time.
The prayers lifted on our behalf from Weatherford, across Texas, Indiana, New York City, Stillwater, Muskogee, New Mexico and all across OK have been nothing short of a Blessing from God.
Karen, Charlie, Porter and I are so loved and we thank you all for your (literally, thousands) of prayers.
I'll attach the best photo I have on my phone. I have to rest. Thanks again, with love.
The Magills
Saturday was a tough day as they started Karen on the Magnesium Sulfate to combat the toxicity built up in her body. She was down all day and most of Sunday. Fairly quiet both days. Sunday afternoon was the first time (other then in the OR) that Karen was able to see Porter.
Mr. Porter went into the NICU (neonatal ICU) immediately where he had numerous IV’s and leads to different monitors hooked all over him. He breathes through a c-pap. Similar to someone with sleep apthnea, he breathes on his own, this just makes sure he gets a full, deep breath when he takes one. They are able to monitor his heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen levels and his respiratory rate. They monitor and control the % oxygen he is given through his c-pap and started out around 35%. “Room air” is 21 % oxygen. They told us he’d likely tire out and need to move to a ventilator. My response was, “You don’t know how many people are praying for him!” Now 5 days later, 6-17 as of about 1 PM he is breathing room air with a nasal cannula.
As far as feeding him, his life is being sustained by 3 IV drips; proteins, lipids, and electrolytes. They are introducing mother’s milk to him to “prime his gut” and help get everything working. It hasn’t been as successful and they have backed off to give him more time. They are planning to re-introduce milk this afternoon 6-17.
God is amazing and the love and support shown to us by friends and family has been truely amazing.
-dad
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